Hi All,

Well if there is any doubt about winter having arrived I think it was dispelled this past Saturday.

Pretty good turnout what with Wendy and her merry DC span just about at full strength raring to go and then of course the traditional Die Hards. Pretty chilly with a prediction of 30% chance of PLEK PLEK reën. Die ou Transvaal, Springbok Radio news on weather gesegte.

Sadly Wendy (after a call going the coastal road and all of us men telling her “not a good idea”) has handed in her resignation. Effective from the first of December of course after the DC of course. What a delightful soaking wet and cold ride we had. But hey if u want to stay with Wendy’s team u have to be tough. No place for the feint hearted. Let me tell u that even Paul Lewin hacked it out in the rain. Maybe Paul is just generally more sensible on the occasion.

Well, this coming w/end many I suppose, will be making there way up to the Knysna area if u can afford the petrol costs that is. Traditionally a great w/end. The MTB ride on Sat and the RR on Sunday. Plenty to do over the w/end. Enjoy and have a safe trip.

We have had a mishap or two these past couple of weeks. BJ coming down after hitting a tar obstruction and Pieter staking claim to a piece of turf on a downhill section at Thandi. Both up and running I trust and hope.

Would appear that we have a bike shop up for sale and at the same time a bike shop that is soon going to open its doors. Coincidence? Wonder maar net.
Speak to Hertzel.
Must be something happening out there that I am not aware of in the cycling business. Could it be the petrol price? The vehicle market is struggling as we all know so maybe, just maybe, it’s going to be a boom time for the cycling industry. Let’s hope so.

Safety en nogmals Safety.

Taking into account the amount of cyclists that have ridden with us in groups and the man hrs x years (or should it be bike hours) that we spent on fixed routes its quite incredible how few incidents we have had.

Accolades to all of u.
In saying that just a word of caution to everyone when we do the Rooiels run. As one hits the coastal road the drainage area and little bit of safety margin that we have there is actually fraught with danger.

U will all have noticed the drainage holes on the left going out. U will have also noticed the grid and how the pipe work is running parallel to the road. Manne en meisies if one of us hit that drain at 20/30 or what ever kilos per hour it’s going to be nag. Be very very mindful of these drainage points. We did try and get them changed right in the beginning maar het gefaal.

We also have several on the way back to Waterstone. Two come to mind and I ALWAYS signal them. The one on the turn/corner intersection of Broadlands and the Coastal road and the other turning left off the R44 into main road going back to Waterstone.

Well what do the experts have to say this week?

They say its winter time-- Wet weather time. Towards the bottom of the saddle down tube most of us have a water bottle cage and of course very important we have a PUMP. Many is the occasion when I have had to stop and help a person and I have found that both my pump and the other persons pump doesn’t work. How often do we check these tools of ours? About time we started doing something about it.
Pretty easy according to the experts. Make sure the pump works. Then--- either GLAD WRAP the PUMP or put it into a PLASTIC Bag. All the mud, muck and water is thus prevented from getting into the PUMP, and of course the PUMP is very grateful. Simple hey. Let’s see how many PUMPS are looked after.

Attached something to think/chuckle about.

Have a great week,

Ek

Morning,

Not much to report on at this point in time. Typical of the Winter period.

This past w/end saw very few on the road on Sat and about 15 or so brave the coldish elements on Sunday.

I suppose the target for many will be the Knysna festival which takes place early in July. The one w/end hosting the MTB and RR and the next w/end the runners/joggers having fun.

The DC teams slowly filling up and it looks as if there will be four full teams again. Great stuff.

Erica Green our own local cycling guru has been appointed as the team mgr for the New Zealand junior team to take part in the world champs later this year in RSA(July). Erica is looking for help. She is in need of about 4/5 sets of rollers that she can use with the team. If anybody out there can help u can contact her on daisyglug@iafrica.com.

We had our customary monthly Steering com meeting last night with decisions been made on several issues. I will keep u up to date once I have received the minutes.

Dates were pegged for the balance of the year and I know it’s a bit early but u can diarise the 19th of Nov for the AGM. And yes we would like almal to be there. We have pegged the date now, knowing that later on all the Xmas functions start coming up and then its vakansie né.

It would appear that we will be hosting a Club MTB ride this Sunday. Meeting place Coetzenberg parking area next to the Athletics track. Time 7.30am . Non club members will be liable for a fee of R30 and club members free. An entry fee of R20.00 for all to enter Jonkershoek. Duration of ride 2/2.5hrs. Bietjie geld ook vir die muffin en engelse verdriet.

Safety still being our no 1 concern herewith a tip from the EXPERTS once again.

Helmets.

We all know No helmet No ride.
We all know that it is illegal to in fact cycle without a helmet.
But what is of cardinal importance as well is ;
a. The helmet must be without any cracks and in good condition and
b. The chin strap must in fact be secure with NO/VERY LITTLE slack under the chin. Its pointless wearing a helmet but not securing the strap clips(as I have seen many cyclists do) and or alternatively securing the strap but with too much slack in the strap. In other words should u fall the helmet will move on ground impact and NOT protect the head as it should.
c. According to the EXPERTS and stats available. 70/80% of cycling deaths are due to head injuries.
d. There is evidence that wearing protective helmets reduces the risk of brain injury by 88%

Laat mens dink né!!!!.

That’s it. Have a great week.

ek

RAAM

The Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running annual endurance events holding legendary stature the world over. It is one of the pinnacles of sporting accomplishment, globally seen as the highest rung of the ultra-endurance sports ladder. Since 1982, RAAM has a rich and storied history standing as a monument to human endeavors.

The Race Across America is an event so staggering that merely to finish is, for most, the accomplishment of a lifetime. RAAM inspires everyone that it touches. A monumental race contested with the utmost of sportsmanship and zeal. Truly, RAAM is larger than life. A breeding ground for champions, a testing ground for elite riders and a shining example of the strength of human spirit.

2008 General Race Information - the 27th Edition

Start: Oceanside, CA - The Oceanside Pier. Women June 7th, Men June 8th, Teams June 11th.
Finish: Annapolis, MD - The City Dock. June 17th - June 20th.
Route: More than 3,000 miles across the United States.
Divisions: Solo and Two-Person, Four-Person, and Eight-Person Teams.

RAAM is a Race of Truth

This is a Race. Unlike other famous races, like the Tour de France, RAAM is not a stage race. The race is one stage, live to the very end. In RAAM, once the clock starts on the west coast, the clock doesn't stop until each racer reaches the finish line on the east coast. RAAM is 30% longer than the Tour de France and racers finish in half the time with no rest days. The race format is essentially a time trial, commonly called racing against the clock or the race of truth. Unlike the Tour de France, there is no drafting or taking shelter from the wind. It's an all out solo challenge.
Solo and Team

The heart of the race is the Solo division. That is where the ultimate challenge lies. The race has team categories of 2-Person, 4-Person, and 8-Person teams. With an 8-Person team, each person averages three hours a day on the bike.

3,000 Miles

The route is over 3000 miles, touching 14 states and climbing over 100,000 feet. Teams typically cross the country in 6 to 9 days, averaging 350 to over 500 miles per day. Solo racers finish in 9 to 12 days, averaging 250 to 350 miles per day. Teams have a relay format and race 24 hours a day. Solo racers have the challenge of balancing a few hours of sleep each night against race deadlines.

Olympians, Grandfathers and You

The men and women who compete, as soloists or as team participants, are dedicated and driven athletes. The racers are comprised from an international field of professionals from all walks of life. Among them are Olympians, professional athletes, but, by far, most are just like you. They range in age from 18 to over 70 and each has a story to tell of their life and how they came to the race. That story is enriched during the week-long adventure across the country as each rises and discovers their inner ability.

Is it a Charity?

More than half of the racers use RAAM as a platform and event to raise funds for various charities. In 2007, racers raised more than $1,000,000.

Why RAAM?

Because it's there was George Mallory's answer, as to why climb Mt. Everest.

RAAM has a similar draw. At the very least, it's the honor of adding their name to the prestigious roll call of RAAM finishers.

RAAM is more than a bike race. It is about ordinary people being great. It's about realizing dreams, a journey of the heart and soul. It's about being the toughest of the tough. It's about camaraderie, teamwork, and the incredible RAAM family. It's about taking the stage for a charity or cause that matters, to raise awareness and funds. It's about the vastness, richness, beauty, and generosity of the United States of America and the people who live here. It's a lifetime experience never to be repeated.

The Race Across America endures due to its amazing effect on the human consciousness and for its incredible feats of willpower, inspiration, and heart.

Who's Behind RAAM?

The RAAM Management Team - Fred Boethling, Terry Zmrhal, Perry Stone and Rick Boethling - bring considerable breadth and depth of business and race experience to bear on the race. We are all race veterans. We've been there. We know what's in the hearts and minds of racers and crew.

Interested?
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

Le Tour Ultime

The Tour the France in one stage 4000 km non-stop cycling! Le Tour Ultime, the most ultimate Cycling Challenge in the world! The best of ultra cycling.

http://www.ltu-letourultime.nl/index.php

Hi,

June the first. Mid year month, winter in all earnest just about here. About three and a half weeks to go then we start going positive to daylight time. Scary to say the least. As one gets older so the time seems to fly faster. I wonder if of u out there about my age are feeling the same? Vra maar net.

Seems like yesterday that I had just turned forty, cocky as hell, baie slim and other than needing a Grandpa from time to time (as opposed to a Grandpa and Panado now) I could take on anything. Dalk n bietjie wysheid wat nou intree of wat.

Well the group (rd) is still getting together at Waterstone weekends at 7.00 am. Hey all, it’s dark, so please lights and lights and light Wannabee clothing. Ek soek nie die Ruiters in die nag nie wat net swart aan trek.

I’m led to believe by Anton de Freitos that last Sundays MTB rides turnout was very good. About 30 plus of which the greater majority were non members. The club was ably assisted by HCW. Many thanks to them. There was a charge of R30.00 per head for non members. According to Anton the club made in the region of R700.00

On several occasions during the past years the Steering com has discussed payment for non members and once again 2 points come to mind.
Is it fair to those that are paid up members that others enjoy the privelages of the club with no contribution and;
Is it a priority to encourage and develop the sport in the belief that the non payers will eventually come to the party.

Maybe it is time to start charging non-members who join us for road rides on w/ends and also the midweek training sessions. Wat dink julle? Please let me know. Email me your comments. We can really start filling our coffers. Money makes the world go around of hoe?

The DC teams seem to be taking shape. Several teams have already had a couple of training rides. Would appear that there is still some place open in of the teams. If interested please contact John Arnold (DC event co-ordinator) on 082-5570-331

Just something interesting;

“ Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”-Albert Einstein

Using pink because today is the final day of a great Giro Del Italia. Is Contador the man?? Yes he is!!

Yesterday’s group ride was once again held up because of punctures. Time that we got the experts in again with advice when riding during the winter months.

What the experts say;

During the rainy season what tends to happen on the tar roads is that all the small broken pieces of glass get washed out of all the cracks and holes and STAND PROUD on the road surface. These small pieces of glass do not necessarily cause the puncture then, but they tend to become imbedded in the tyre and after several rides get pushed thru the tyre and so puncture the tube. Well what to do?.

1. The night before u ride do several things (a) Spin the wheels and check for small pieces of embedded glass in the tyres and remove of course; (b) Pump up your tyres to 8bar.
2. When u get up to ride the next morning check your tyre pressure again. Chances are good that u will have lost a bar or so. Pump up the tyres to 8bar again.
3. Whilst on the ride continually wipe off the front and back tyres (especially if the road is wet) this will prevent most of the small pieces of glass from seating themselves in the tyre. U can do this either with your GLOVED hands or the rear wheel with your shoe. Ask for a demo at the next ride. I’m sure any of the callers will be able to show u.

That’s it . Don’t forget the blog. http://www.wanna-b-team.blogspot.com/

ek

Hi there everyone

Well a great week-end we had weather-wise, those who capitalized on the great weather by getting out there on two wheels really scored! The Cycle Club Helderberg's first monthly MTB outride yesterday saw a great turn-out - thanks to everyone who attended and enjoyed a great morning out, including the fantastic riding that's out there waiting for each and everyone who wants to get out of bed a little earlier on a Sunday morning to enjoy our region and the fitness it will bring you. Those of you who don't know: depending on the attendance, the group is split into a fast, a medium and a beginner's group, and each group has someone looking after it. Bottom line: you will have buddies during any technical difficulty, and you won't get lost! The deal is to get you fitter, faster and technically more able during the next 6 months. - the next monthly MTB ride is on Sunday 15 June, so keep turning those legs for more fun next time!

Petie Viljoen

Cyclist can sue over pothole
29/05/2008 21:12 - (SA)

Bloemfontein - A cyclist who fell trying to avoid a huge pothole in the road in the Kamberg area can sue the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport for damages, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled on Thursday.

The SCA upheld an appeal by Pietermaritzburg advocate Allister McIntosh, who was a keen cyclist, against a High Court decision that he was solely to blame for his serious injuries from the fall.

During the appeal it was argued that the pothole had been in existence for nearly a year - and had eventually grown to such a size and depth that is was dangerous even by the department's standards.

The department submitted that it did not have sufficient funds to properly maintain the road network in the province.

Delivering the unanimous judgment by five appeal judges, Judge Douglas Scott said the road had been the subject of weekly inspections, but notwithstanding this, no reason was given why the pothole had not been repaired.

Liable for 60% of blame

He said no evidence was given to show that the repair of potholes had to be neglected in favour of some other priority.

He found the department's officials were negligent.

However, the Bloemfontein court found that McIntosh conceded that shortly after starting his downhill ride he had seen a pothole in the road.

The SCA found that McIntosh had proceeded downhill at a speed which left him little room for error and for this reason he had also been negligent.

The court held the department was to carry 60% of the blame.

The courts were asked to decide only the issue of liability. McIntosh's damages can now be decided.

http://www.news24.com/

2008 UCI JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Junior SA Cycling teams announced for World Championships

The 2008 UCI Junior World Championships, in Cape Town from July 12 to 20, includes several top South African cyclists who will participate in track, road and time trial events.

The two South African Squads that will be competing against the world's best were recently announced by Cycling South Africa (CSA). The national female road team is made up of Michelle Corbett, Charlotte van der Merwe, Caitlin de Wet and Claire Matthews with Lorine Jooste and Jeaun-Mari Breytenbach as reserves. The national male road team is Paul de Zweel, Tiaan Swart, Christopher Jennings, Johan van Zyl, Clinton Barrow, Rourke Croeser and Johan van der Merwe. Reserves are Willem Jordaan, Hendrik Kruger and Avery Arendse.

Michelle Corbett will ride the 14.1km time trial in Wellington while Paul van Zweel and Tiaan Swart will tackle this 26.8km "race of truth".

The riders who will compete at the Bellville Velodrome during the five day track events are Michelle Corbett (CG) and Natasha Marang (Boland) representing the females with Evan Carstens, (WP), Gerrit Scheepers (NW), Brandon Christiaans (Boland), George Stroebel (FSS), Clint Hendricks (Boland) and Robert du Preez (KZN), making up the male squad to represent South Africa. The reserve is Avery Arendse (Boland).

Track cycling is cycle racing in its purist form and the five day event (July 12 to 16) includes disciplines such as The Match Sprint, The Individual Pursuit, The Keirin, The Time Trial, The Points Race, The Scratch Race, The Team Sprint, The Team Pursuit and The Madison.

The time trials are being staged in Wellington on Friday, July 18 on a closed circuit with the individual road race taking to the streets of Cape Town on Sunday, July 20. This road race circuit route has a varied profile - with some very tight corners, great long sprint sections as well as steep inclines - through the CBD as well as along the Foreshore and out towards the Southern Suburbs along scenic De Waal drive and back. The total route for the men is 133.6km - which means 8 laps of the circuit, while the women will complete 5 laps of the circuit to make up the total distance of 83.5kms.

Around 1500 National Federations from over 50 countries are expected in the Mother City to participate in this international cycling event. For more information go to www.juniorworlds.co.za

Sunday 18 may 2008

It has been 6 weeks since the end of the Cape Epic, oops correction … Absa Cape Epic, the magical African MTB race. Yes, magical is the word, it draws people from all over the world. Riders and supporters have lots of ‘magical’ experiences, with various degrees of enjoyment.

Thierry and I also had a ‘magical’ ride. We are very proud of ourselves on completing the ride, err race. With our Zebra’s on our helmets, we had lots of encouragement from the supporters along the tracks and roads. Go Zebra’s Go! Thanks to all that shouted! We heard you, but weren’t always able to show our appreciation. But the biggest Thanks go to Gwen and Mike, our backup team! Without their support, we wouldn’t have made it.
And also thanks for the camaraderie from our group of fellow sufferers, Jack & Roger, Chris & Danie, Billy & Julian

The Highs:
Well, completing it is a High and the other point is…….err is there one, oh definitely the country side. The forests, karoo plains, valleys with early morning mist, and then the rocks, Rocks, ROCKS and a ‘bit’ of SAND…. (sorry that should be among the lows)
The Forests from Knysna to George are really beautiful to ride thru. The Karoo, well it is the karoo with its own beauty. The valleys from Riversdale to Swellendam is another area that I would go back to visit.

The Lows:
1. Well my accident coming down the Gamkaberg (Stage 2) will not be forgotten to quickly. The pain in my shoulder and lower back has been a constant reminder for last three weeks. I don’t know how I completed the Epic. Maybe the stare that I got from Thierry after the stage: “Is this the end of the race?” No Thierry, but thanks for all the Myprodol’s.
2. Another Low I had was on the gravel road (with head wind) on the way to Bredasdorp. I thought it would never end, at a stage I had to sit-up and shout a few &%#$% words. To add to the frustration the rear derailleur cable snapped and I only had one sprocket to use.
Some other difficult sections:
3. Was coming into Swellendam, the temperature close to 40 deg C, and being sent up into the forest with 3 tuff tuff climbs to do.
4. I never knew how far Stanford is from Hermanus via the gravel road, it is bloody far on that corrugated gravel road.
5. The climb from Botriver to Highlands (Lebanon) is one of the toughest climbs with tired muscles. This is a track to train on for next time. (is there a next time?) This climb and others gave me a vivid nightmare on 1st night after the race.

Why do we do these challenges? I think because we enjoy the achievement of overcoming the challenges!

See you soon on the tracks/road again.

Henri

Overall Time: 59:38.11,0
Overall Team Position: 157. in Men category and in 237. general classification
Out of 1198 riders who embarked on their gruelling journey, 968 cycled (435 teams ) all the 966km from Knysna to Lourensford and climbed a total of 18 529m

Evening,

Strange weather. Beautiful lightning flashes adorning the horizon in the West early this morning as those that rode will have observed.

Thought maybe I could get out of a ride but alas no such luck. Joining Wendy’s DC group and then having a tyre blow-out I managed to give the bike the band aid and disprin treatment and limped back to the coffee shop. To my surprise I caught up with Ockie and a friend on the way back. Ockies first ride since his going to Hospital for knee surgery. Welcome back Ockie

Well the Oscar P sit has hit the headlines again with all the controversy surrounding it. Below a bit of info re the subject. Interesting to say the least. Experts and experts and nog experts. Amazing how they can differ. Where does it leave us mere mortals?

Missed the group on Sat. Gesukkel om die vrou uit die kooi te kry om koffie te maak. Saw the group fading away in the distance but did something.

This morning saw the start of the DC training rides. Two teams were out. John and his group doing a 80k ride and Wendy and her merry group baled on a 70 but managed a 55k. Dulces was beckoning methinks.

SAs. The big one for all those that think they can ride a bike. We had no fewer than 4 that I know of that went up to compete in East London. I still can’t quite get over it. In the Elites (Alex and RK, that’s our RT manne), MTN ripped the field apart at 80ks. Neotel who were also pegged as one of the front runners to win vainly tried to bridge the gap which just grew and grew. They managed to have one rider with the break JvR. The rest were nowhere. I don’t think there were more than 14 Elites out of 40 starters that finished. Our two boys were caught in the initial break and like the rest weren’t going anywhere.

Barlow World have set the standard and MTN are following. Great for SA cycling to say the least.

Fred van Zyl competed in the 55/60 cat and young Dean Graham in the under 18cat. Both did well considering.

Without making any excuses one of the major problems that we have down here in the WC is that all the races without exception are in the 100k bracket. Trying to compete with the top pros that are racing overseas and locally covering race distances of 150ks plus per ride makes a huge difference.


Also below a mail from Michel. A very concerned Michel and I don’t blame him. What he is raising is not negotiable. How many times haven’t we addressed the issue surrounding backing one another up, leaving at least two people with a puncture, calling and warning about hazards etc. The senior guys must come to party but at the end of the day it’s up to EVERYONE to be aware of what’s happening around u.

How many times haven’t I personally expressed what a proud record we have with NO group falls taking place since we started and and and.

Hey everyone, this is NOT a ”what’s in it for me club”. It’s about us as a group of like minded people who enjoy one another’s camaraderie and company. The physical challenge that goes with it and the safety aspect. Everyone has a responsibility in the group that u are riding in. NOT just one or two people.

In closing I am really struggling at the moment. Much like the birds, bees, plants and trees. Ek het reen nodig, baie nodig.

Go well,
Ek

Dear C2H members,

I feel sad when I’m writing this letter but after last week’s incidents I feel like missing the WANNABEE spirit.

Where are the buddies pointing out harmful objects or potholes during our group rides?

Where are the buddies who wait for each one?

Where is that comradeship that was bringing us together?

We were looking after each one and making sure all of us could enjoy a safe ride.

Today at least 3 times no one at the front pointed the hazard out. This was almost fatal to Sepp when he went over a big piece of concrete and lost nearly control over his bike. After turning off the R102 the front guys didn’t wait for the buddies who were blocked by the passing traffic. And a little further again they did not point out a dangerous piece of metal causing substantial damage (tire, tube and rim) to my bike and putting to risk the rest of the bunch. WHY?

Taking this and other incidents in consideration one could think it is maybe safer to cycle alone.

Michel de Clippel
Wannabee